Monochromatic Image Noise Reduction via Scaling Factor Computation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing imaging systems, such as X-ray and CT systems, face challenges in generating monochromatic images across a wide range of energy levels with reduced noise components, particularly at lower or higher keV levels, where noise components are substantially high.

Innovation Solution

A method and system that compute a scaling factor based on optimum and desired attenuation coefficients to generate monochromatic images with minimized noise, using a processor to adjust the noise components and produce images with reduced noise across a broad energy range.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If monochromatic images are generated at lower or higher keV energy levels, then the energy range coverage is improved, but the noise components are substantially high

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy range coverageVSAvoidnoise components

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by computing a scaling factor based on the relationship between optimum attenuation coefficients and desired attenuation coefficients at different energy levels. This scaling factor dynamically adjusts the noise components in monochromatic images generated at various keV levels, allowing the system to maintain reduced noise across a broad energy range while preserving the adaptability to generate images at different energy levels.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Measurement precision

If basis material decomposition techniques are used to differentiate material components, then the material differentiation capability is improved, but the noise components in images are elevated

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvematerial differentiation capabilityVSAvoidnoise components

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the noise component from the basis material decomposition images by computing a scaling factor that quantifies the noise relationship between optimum and desired attenuation coefficients. This extracted noise information is then used to generate a corrected monochromatic image that preserves the material differentiation capability while removing the elevated noise introduced by BMD techniques.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Ease of manufacture

If linearly weighted combination of BMD material images is used to create virtual monochromatic representation, then the monochromatic image generation is improved, but the noise components remain substantially high at extreme energy levels

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemonochromatic image generationVSAvoidnoise components

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements feedback by computing a scaling factor that captures the noise characteristics at different energy levels and using this feedback to adjust and reduce noise components in the generated monochromatic images. This feedback mechanism allows the system to maintain the ease of generating virtual monochromatic representations while actively reducing the noise that accumulates at extreme energy levels.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The solution effectively reduces noise in monochromatic images, enhancing image quality and contrast, thereby improving diagnostic capabilities and extending the penetration limits of imaging systems.

Implementation Method 1

A method is provided to obtain noise cancellation in the monochromatic images across a broad energy range. The method provides for obtaining a plurality of optimum attenuation coefficients for an energy level, selecting a desired energy level, obtaining a plurality of desired attenuation coefficients for the desired energy level

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectX-ray attenuation: Absorption (EM radiation)

Data Source

PatentUS8055039B2System and method to obtain noise mitigated monochromatic representation for varying energy level

Publication Date: 2011.11.08 GE PRECISION HEALTHCARE LLC

AI summary

In dual energy CT, through basis material decomposition (BMD), a pair of density images can be reconstructed. The noises in this image pair are negatively correlated due to the BMD process. A technique is presented for obtaining the monochromatic images at desired energy levels with reduced correlation noise. The technique includes obtaining a plurality of optimum attenuation coefficients for an energy level, selecting a desired energy level, obtaining a plurality of desired attenuation coefficients for the desired energy level, computing a scaling factor for a corresponding noise component based on the optimum attenuation coefficients and the desired attenuation coefficients, and generating a monochromatic image based upon the scaling factor.